The Role of Borders In Radioactive and Nuclear Materials Counterproliferation

The three primary vectors of proliferation are material, technology, and expertise. In combating the proliferation of radioactive and nuclear materials, international borders play a key role for detecting activity in these three vectors whether a state is the proliferator, part of a transportation route, or the destination state. When security systems that protect radioactive and nuclear material assets fail, international borders can provide mechanisms for the detection and interdiction of these proliferation vectors being deployed by state and non-state actors. In April 2008, the United Nations Security Council reaffirmed its 1540 Resolution requiring states to establish domestic controls to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons and their means of delivery including effective border controls to detect, deter, prevent, and combat illicit trafficking of nuclear materials. This paper summarizes state efforts for meeting this goal.